Every painter should have General Liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1 million. This insurance covers the homeowner in the event that the painter causes damage, such as spilling 5 gallons of white latex on your new roof or crashing a ladder into your convertible. Are you in need of some repairs? This is classified as carpentry and necessitates a separate rider. Insurance is a necessary part of doing business. Of course, if these mishaps did not occur, no one would need insurance.
Are your painters employees or independent contractors?
A well-run business will show up when they say they will, work for a full day, and then return every day until the project is finished.
Employees are covered by their employers’ general liability insurance, while independent contractors should be covered separately. Painting companies frequently utilize independent contractors, but it is much less common for each worker to be fully insured. Independent contractors are not covered by a company’s general liability coverage. Murphy’s Law says that the one independent contractor whose insurance you haven’t confirmed will be the one who…
May I have a copy of your insurance certificate for my files?
“Trust but verify” is a sound philosophy. You don’t want uninsured personnel peering through your windows or unplugging your workplace server from a ladder. A call to the insurance agent should clear things up if the certificate doesn’t answer the following questions.
New homes or old?
Painters who fail to provide sufficient breathing protection to their employees are failing the worker, the homeowner, and the environment. New home painters are hunting for work in older communities due to the construction slowdown.
Many layers of (lead) paint, metal storm windows to remove and replace, window putty, deeper soffits, and more architectural detail can be found in homes older than 30 years. These residences necessitate a slower, more meticulous pace as well as unique labor techniques. A paint team that is used to the “blow and go” speed of new construction will likely be unfamiliar with the attention to detail and meticulous prep work that an older property necessitates.
Which brand of paint do you recommend?
Painters develop a relationship with a specific store for a variety of reasons, including competent assistance, high-quality goods, and competitive price. It’s reasonable to inquire as to why a painter is hesitant to utilize a different product. It’s good to have a strong believe in a product based on personal experience, but when a financial incentive takes precedence over everything else, the advice you receive may not be in your best interests.
All of this implies high-quality materials; if you’re being led to a low-cost option, look for another painter. You never receive more paint than you paid for when it comes to painting. Furthermore, most professionals avoid using paint from Big Box chain stores for a variety of reasons, including product quality, limited selection, bad service, and availability.
Do you require any payment up front?
There is no right or wrong answer here; instead, there are a few factors to consider. If your painter is a bad business owner, he may utilize your down payment to cover last month’s costs, then be in a rush to finish the job so he can pay his employees. You’ve just given up a lot of power in terms of ensuring the agreed-upon quality of work. A significant upfront payment is frequently indicative of a business that is undercapitalized. Making a partial payment after a few days is a reasonable option. The painter has committed labor and equipment to the job, and the homeowner can see how it’s coming along, so both parties are invested in a successful outcome.
Will you start on time every day? Will you finish on time?
A well-organized and motivated crew of painters will show up when they say they will, work a full day, and then return each day until the task is finished. Those that don’t will take longer and cause more disruption in your life than necessary.
Some painters overwork themselves by taking on too many projects at once. As workers travel between jobs, work progress slows or becomes intermittent. This is a typical difficulty that painters who are as good at business as they are at painting avoid.
Job delays are also influenced by the weather. Work gets done quickly when the weather is nice. Due to the inclement weather, everyone must remain patient.
Will my property be protected?
A good painting firm will cover everything with tarps, relocate or stake valuable plants, and keep cars out of the way of overspray. This type of meticulous planning is sometimes disregarded because it is inconvenient it is far easier for a painter to urge his staff to “watch out for the plants” or simply hope they aren’t negligent. Paying attention to detail from the outset will save everyone time and money in the long run.
Will I hear loud music, objectionable language or find cigarette butts in my garden?
Some painters mistakenly believe that your home is their workspace. Then they behave in this manner. It’s preferable to be upfront about your expectations.
What is your source for new product information?
Every year, paint manufacturers, specialist distributors, and inventors release new products. Even from their own producers, paint outlets only stock a tiny number of new goods. Is the painter sure the primer, caulk, or equipment he’s used for 37 years are still the finest for the job? Does he read industry blogs and subscribe to trade magazines?
What about lead paint and dust?
This question will reveal whether the painter is aware of the lead problem or whether he will minimize it in order to secure the job. Lead paint is a fact that is best regarded from a knowledgeable standpoint both the painter and the homeowner should be knowledgeable. On their websites, the EPA and the City of Kansas City provide useful information on how to deal with lead paint.
Any paint put to your home prior to 1978 should be assumed to contain lead. Any sanding should be gathered in a vacuum with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Sanding without HEPA filtration and proper respiratory protection is against EPA and OSHA rules. Painters that do not properly equip their employees are harming the worker, the homeowner, and the environment.
A surface that is consistent in appearance, color, texture, concealment, and gloss. Foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or insufficient coverage are also absent. It’s also a surface that’s devoid of drips, spatters, spills, or overspray from the Painting Contractors Association’s crew.
What insurance does a painter and decorator need?
- Public Liability – Perhaps the most critical insurance coverage for decorators, public liability should be the foundation of your policy. This will shield you from claims from members of the public if your work causes a client or a member of the public to get ill or harmed as a result of your job. It will also safeguard you if you cause damage to your client’s property or possessions and they file a claim against you. These claims could be significant, so protecting yourself against them for a minimal fee delivers a lot of piece of mind.
- Employers’ Liability – Do you have any employees in your decorating business? Employers’ liability insurance is required by law regardless of whether you have permanent, part-time, or even contract employees. This safeguards you from lawsuits from employees who become ill or injured as a result of your work or behavior. If you require this coverage, it is best to obtain it as part of a larger insurance package that will save you both time and money. We’ll go into this a little more later.
- You’ll need a lot of gear, from paintbrushes to ladders, drills to dehumidifiers, as part of your job. With some of these being expensive and others allowing you to accomplish your job, if they were to be damaged or stolen, it would be detrimental to both your wallet and your business. You may rest easy knowing that if your tools are accidently damaged or stolen, you will be compensated to repair or replace them if you have tools cover.
- Personal Injury As a decorator, you’ll need to be fit and healthy in order to execute your job especially if you’re self-employed, because you won’t be able to earn money if you take time off. This is when personal accident insurance comes in handy. If you have an accident and are unable to work, this will cover your income while you recuperate.
- Do you have a commercial vehicle that you use to transport your tools from job to job? You’ll need commercial vehicle insurance in that case. This policy adds an extra layer of protection to your vehicle’s coverage, potentially protecting your tools while they’re stored in your car and even your passengers as you drive them from job to job.
How much does painting insurance cost?
Painters pay a typical cost of roughly $50 per month, or $600 per year, for general liability insurance, which covers everything from sign painting to paperhanging and house painting. This coverage covers injuries to third parties, property damage to third parties, and advertising injuries.
Bundling general liability and commercial property insurance in a company owner’s policy can save painters money.
On Insureon’s general liability insurance cost analysis page, you can learn how to save money on your policy, which coverage limits to choose, and more.
Do you provide a free estimate?
When you initially call the company, ask this question so you know what to expect right away. Inquire about the scope of the estimate. To guarantee that you can compare all of the bids equally, ask each company to include the following information in their estimate:
Instead of getting quotes over the phone, request in-home estimates. An in-home estimate helps the estimator to gather more information about the project and anticipate any areas where further work, and thus additional costs, may be required.
What are your credentials?
Inquire about the company’s insurance coverage. To avoid being held liable for accidents on your property, use a contractor with general liability insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance is also required in several states.
You can also request to view the company’s business license, as some jurisdictions require home improvement businesses to be licensed or registered as contractors in order to undertake work in people’s homes.
Inquire about the company’s and its personnel’ certifications and training. Many painting companies belong to the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, which offers its members ongoing education opportunities. Look for a painting contractor who is EPA Lead-Safe Certified if you have an older home constructed before 1978.
Who will be on my crew?
Ask if you’ll have the same people in your home for the duration of the project if it’ll take more than one day. Also, find out who will be your primary point of contact for the project. Would it be a call from the office or a project supervisor on the job? Inquire about whether the company uses subcontractors and, if so, whether a company representative will be on the work with the subcontractors.
Can I see a list of references?
Request a list of homeowners you can call to inquire about their experiences with the company. If you want to see the paint job in person, don’t be scared to question the references.
Also, request a portfolio. Painters’ websites may not be updated frequently, but they are almost certain to have record of their best work that they may share with you in some manner.
What materials do you use?
You’ll want to know what brands of paint they sell. It’s critical to invest in the best paint you can afford. If you choose a high-quality brand, you won’t have to repaint in a year or two.
Also, talk to the contractor about the several types of paint finishes. Some finishes are more suited to different rooms in your home than others, and an experienced painter can advise you on which finishes work best in your kitchen vs your master bedroom, for example.
What kind of painting prep do you do?
Is painting prep, as well as the cost, inclusive of wall sanding, wood or drywall repair, and covering and relocating furniture? If furniture needs to be covered or relocated, make sure to address it and determine who is responsible for moving it.
Also, inquire about the effort that goes into the project once it is completed. Ask if they’ll re-hang gutters and downspouts if they’re painting the outside.
Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
Painting contractors with a good reputation will stand behind their work. Inquire about the warranty. Many businesses provide craftsmanship guarantees in addition to manufacturer warranties. When you’ve decided on a contractor, make sure you acquire the details of their warranty in writing.
Do you need a license to be a painter in California?
In order to perform work in California, all contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. Class Code C-33: Painting and Decorating Contractor. The application fee for a license is $300. The initial license fee is $180 for a period of two years.
Does a painter need professional indemnity insurance?
Employer’s liability insurance, which is a legal necessity for anyone who employs personnel, and professional indemnity insurance are two other important insurance policies for painters and decorators.
How do you insure fine art?
The first step in insuring your art collection is to gather provenance, or all of the papers needed to verify that the work of art is yours and how much it’s worth right now. Proof of ownership, a bill of sale, provenance, a replacement estimate, pictures, and the most recent appraisal are among the documentation.
What are liabilities in insurance?
- Liability insurance protects you from lawsuits stemming from injuries and physical damage to people and/or property.
- Liability insurance pays for legal fees and payments if the insured party is proven to be at fault.
- Intentional harm, contractual liabilities, and criminal prosecution are among the provisions that are not protected.
- Automobile insurance coverage, product producers, and anybody practicing medical or law all require liability insurance.
- Responsibility insurance includes personal liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial liability.
How much is general liability insurance in NY?
Call 800-900-8657 to speak with one of our New York general liability specialists to determine if your company qualifies for cheaper rates and greater coverage. Alternatively, you may begin your New York liability quote online right now.
The cost of liability insurance in New York varies greatly amongst insurance carriers. The total sales of the business, b) the gross payroll for employees and owners, c) the square footage of the premises, and d) any subcontractor exposures are all used to calculate liability insurance rates (if applicable). One or more of the aforementioned parameters are used to calculate insurance prices per $1,000.
A general liability policy for a typical small firm in New York might cost anything from $300 to $5,000 per year. Based on the SIC code or the insurance company’s own classification method for GL rating, the final cost of liability coverage will vary dramatically from one business to the next. The kind of your firm, your physical location, prior claims experience, and your years in operation are all factors that go into determining insurance costs.
How do I know if a painter is good?
It’s a fantastic time to paint the house now that the weather is cooler. Paint dries faster in temperatures below 100 degrees, and employees and homeowners alike welcome the break from the summer heat while the job is being done. However, before you choose a professional painter, keep in mind that not all of them are created equal. Here are five characteristics of a skilled painter. Before signing a contract, you might wish to inquire about some of these work habits.
Every painting contractor knows that the secret to a long-lasting paint job is good surface preparation. However, according to Joe Campbell, co-owner of Arizona Painting Company, one of the state’s largest painting contractors, surface preparation is an area where many painters take savings.
When working on external stucco, for example, personnel should scrape off any loose paint before power washing the surface. It’s also important to prime raw surfaces like exposed wood. When cracks are discovered, caulk is not the ideal sealer to use; instead, Campbell recommends using a cement-based stucco fix.
“These are quite regular items that crews will overlook….” All of this is done to save time, and I believe these procedures should be included in every proposal,” he added.
Campbell and his crew also like to weather-proof a home’s foundation. Members of the crew shovel rocks away from the foundation, power wash it, and then cover it with a water-proofing sealer before painting the remainder of the house.
Because good painters recognize that your home is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make, they appropriately mask and seal off doors, windows, appliances, furniture, cars, and personal belongings. They’ll also use drop cloths to gently cover the pavers and concrete.
Concrete and pavers absorb paint and overspray because they are porous. They’re quite difficult to keep clean. An expert painter will make it a top priority to cover these surfaces.
Many painters have a preference for certain brands. That’s a positive development. However, Campbell argues that the brand does not convey the whole story about the paint that is being used on your house.
If the estimate specifies a specific paint type, double-check that the coating delivered to the job site is the same as the one specified in the estimate. Even the most reputable companies offer low-cost contractor-grade lines that don’t last long.
“I constantly tell people it’s like gasoline,” says the salesperson. There are various classes and alternatives available, such as low, midrange, and premium. Paint is the same way. “However, there is a grade below standard gas grade where the client may believe he is receiving a decent paint but is actually getting a product that does not keep up,” Campbell noted.
Acrylic paints of a higher quality are also 100 percent acrylic. Inquire with the estimator to ensure you’re getting that level of service, he added.
Painting contractors who have a lot of expertise know which paints are the best on the market. They cling to a particular product line since they know what it can offer in terms of durability and general quality. They also keep the water out when it comes to applying the paint. Some contractors, for some strange reason, feel that paint requires the addition of water; it does not, according to Campbell. A good pro may use water to clean a paint spray gun, but he or she will never put water in a bucket of paint.
Before final sign-off and payment, any excellent paint specialist will gladly request a walkthrough with the customer. A better painter, on the other hand, inspects his own work thoroughly before the owner walks the job.
“At the end of the job, we ask our crews to stroll with the foreman. Each of the helpers will be carrying a different color of paint, and they will be looking for any mistakes or anything that have been ignored. Then we’ll repeat the process with the owner,” Campbell added.
Members of the USA TODAY Network’s editorial and journalistic teams were not involved in the creation of this material.
What should I expect from a professional painter?
As part of the work, a professional painter will clean up any mess that arises from painting your home. Remove paint brushes and rollers, roll up drop cloths, clean up any spilled paint, and make sure there are no drips or droplets that can mar the finish of your home.